Diagnosis of Fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia can be difficult to diagnose. Many of the symptoms are similar to other disorders. A history and physical exam will be done. Your doctor will discuss your
pain
symptoms and check for tender (trigger) points. Tender points are areas of pain throughout your body. Symptoms of chronic and widespread pain must be present for over three months.
The doctor will also discuss how much fatigue, waking unrefreshed, and thinking problems you are having.

Testing for Tender (Trigger) Points
—According to criteria established by the American College of Rheumatology, there are 18 specific tender points around the body that are potentially painful when palpated in people with fibromyalgia.
These points are located around the neck, shoulder, chest, hip, knee, and elbow regions.
Most healthy people have only
a few
tender points.

A diagnosis of fibromyalgia is usually made if 11 of these 18 points result in pain when palpated.

Blood Tests
—Blood tests cannot identify fibromyalgia. However, your doctor may order these tests to rule out other illnesses that have similar symptoms, such as
systemic lupus erythematosus,
Lyme disease
,
rheumatoid arthritis
, and other musculoskeletal disorders.

Revision Information

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.

Fibromyalgia. American College of Rheumatology website. Available at:
http://www.rheumatology.org/Practice/Clinical/Patients/Diseases%5FAnd%5FConditions/Fibromyalgia. Updated February 2013. Accessed August 8, 2013.

Fibromyalgia. National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases website. Available at:
http://www.niams.nih.gov/Health%5FInfo/Fibromyalgia/default.asp. Updated August 2012. Accessed August 8, 2013.